Selection of optimal access points

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods, and devices are described for establishing communication with an access point. A wireless device may determine to switch to another access point radio based on a variety of factors. The wireless device may use a dynamic threshold to determine whether to switch to another access point radio. The dynamic threshold may be based on a current state of the wireless device. The wireless device may determine other access point radios to switch to directly or indirectly. An access point radio may broadcast information associated with the access point as well as information associated with other access point radios.

BACKGROUND

Wireless devices allow users to access services from a variety oflocations. As a user moves from one location to another, a wirelessdevice may need to connect to another access point. Locating additionalaccess points and disconnecting from one access point to connect toanother access point may cause disruptions of service.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods are described for accessing a wireless network. As auser moves from one wireless coverage area to another, a wireless deviceof the user may transition from one network to another. A first accesspoint and/or a second access point may comprise multiple wirelessradios, such as a first access point (AP) radio (e.g., 5 GHz radio) anda second AP radio (e.g., 2.4 GHz radio). The wireless device maycommunicate with, via a first client radio of the wireless device, thefirst AP radio of the first access point. The wireless device may detectnetwork information (e.g., signal strength, service identifiers,beacons, network parameters) via a second client radio of the wirelessdevice. The network information may be received in a message and/ordetermined based on monitoring conditions. Wireless data (e.g., signals,beacons) received, by the second client radio, may be analyzed todetermine an optimal radio of an access point to connect with to accessa network. The optimal radio to connect with may be determined based ona dynamic threshold. A value of the threshold may vary based on currentconditions of the wireless device.

The wireless device may switch to using the second client radio as aprimary radio (e.g., temporarily, until a condition is met) and/or usethe second client radio to establish a redundant connection. A redundantconnection may be used to continue network access if the first clientradio is switching from one access point to another. The wireless devicemay also control timing for disconnecting from the first access point.For example, the wireless device may send a disconnect message for thefirst client radio in response to completing a network provisioningsequence (e.g., receiving an internet protocol address) for the secondclient radio.

This summary introduces a selection of concepts in a simplified formthat are described in the detailed description. This summary is notintended to identify key features or essential features of the claimedsubject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of theclaimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited tolimitations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part ofthis disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The following detailed description is better understood when read inconjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes ofillustration, examples are shown in the drawings. However, the subjectmatter is not limited to the specific elements and instrumentalitiesdisclosed.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example network.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of example network coverage.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of another example of network coverage.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an example sequence for accessing a network.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example method.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of another example method.

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of an example computing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Computing devices, such as user devices, wireless devices, mobiledevices, and the like, may experience a number of challenges related tochanging from one wireless network access point (AP) to another. Forexample, wireless devices often fail to determine to optimal timing forswitching from one AP to another AP. This failure may cause poor networkperformance at the edge of connectivity of a first AP even though asecond AP is accessible by the wireless device. A first radio, which istypically used for network access, may be intermittently used fornetwork scanning between accessing the network, resulting in temporarydisconnection from a network.

If a wireless device determines that a second AP may offer a betternetwork connection than currently available at a first AP, then thewireless device may send a de-authorization packet to the first AP toterminate the connection. The wireless device may attempt to associatewith the second AP in response to sending a de-authorization packet tothe primary AP. This approach results in a delay that may disruptservice because upper layer protocols, such as like DHCP, may berestarted (e.g., which may take seconds) before data transmission can berestarted.

The present methods and systems leverage the use of multiple radios toprevent the delays in service described above. Many wireless deviceshave two or more radios, such as a 900 MHz radio, a 2.4 GHz radio, a 5GHz radio, and a 60 GHz radio. Despite having multiple radios, manydevices often only utilize one radio at a time. An additional radio maybe used to detect changing network conditions. Network conditions maychange as wireless device moves in an out of coverage areas. Differentradios, even of the same access point, may have different coverage areasdue to different levels of propagation, the presence of interference,and/or the like. The present methods and systems allow for a first radioto be used for a data connection and a second radio to be used todetermine changes in the coverage information.

The transition of disconnecting from one AP and connecting to another APis improved as described herein. A wireless device may determine toswitch between two AP's. The wireless device may send a de-authorizationpacket to the currently connected AP. The wireless device may associatewith the new AP. Upper layer protocols, such as DHCP, may berenegotiated. The lower layer re-association may take less than 100 ms,but upper layer protocols may take a few seconds before packetstransmission restarts. This approach may result in interruption ofservice, which may affect user experience. Even a 100 ms downtime maynoticeably affect a protocol such as Voice over Internet-Protocol(VoIP). This transition can be improved by establishing a connectionwith another AP before sending the de-authorization packet to thecurrently connected AP.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses are described in which a number oftechniques may be employed, alone or in combination, to address theseissues. Wireless access points may use multiple radios, such as a firstAP radio and a second AP radio. The first AP radio may broadcast data(e.g., a signal, a message, a beacon). The data may comprise informationabout the first AP radio and/or the second AP radio available on theaccess point. Wireless devices may use multiple radios, such as a firstradio and a second radio. The first radio may be used for communicationsto support user applications. The second radio may actively and/orpassively obtain network information about one or more access pointswithin range. The first radio and the second radio may switch roles. Forexample, the second radio may be used for communications to support userapplications. The first radio may actively and/or passively obtainnetwork information about one or more access points within range. Thenetwork information may be used to determine a condition forestablishing a logical or physical connection to another AP (e.g., oranother radio of an access point).

The second radio may monitor (e.g., receive, listen) for data (e.g., orsignals, messages, beacons) sent by an access point. The networkinformation may comprise information received in the data. The networkinformation may comprise measurements of signals (e.g., that send thedata). The network information may comprise availability of a logical orphysical connection of an access point. The network information may beobtained by querying access points. For example, the wireless device mayprobe for information actively by sending a query to one or more accesspoints (e.g., all access points in range). The query (e.g., probe) maybe sent at a variety of frequencies (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz). The query(e.g., probe) may be sent at a variety of bit rates (e.g., to determineavailable connection rates). The query may be directed to one or morespecific access points, broadcast generally, broadcast to classes ofdevices, and/or the like. The wireless device may use a low bandwidthchannel to send a query to an access point not yet connected to thewireless device. In the query, the wireless device may requestinformation about services available from that access point. A responseto the query may be received that comprises information about a network(e.g., service set identifier), frequency range, a band, a protocol,expected network performance at different ranges of connectionsavailable at the queried access point, and/or the like. An access pointmay also send information about other access points for which thequeried access point has information.

For example, a first wireless access point may comprise a first AP radioand a second AP radio. The second AP radio may send (e.g., transmit,broadcast) data (e.g., a beacon, signal, message) comprising informationassociated with the first AP radio. A wireless device may comprise athird radio and a fourth radio. The wireless device may communicate witha second access point via the third radio, while scanning for accesspoints using the fourth radio. The scan may detect the data sent by thefirst access point. The wireless device may determine, from the data,the information associated with the first radio of the first accesspoint. This information may comprise, for example, the location of thefirst access point, the frequencies, bands, channels, bandwidth, and/orthe like available for use. The wireless device may use the informationto determine to connect to the first AP radio. The wireless device mayswitch to the first access point as the location of the wireless devicechanges.

FIG. 1 shows an example system 100 that may comprise a network device102. The network device 102 may comprise a hub, a router, a switch,and/or the like. The network device 102 may be in communication with afirst access point 120, a second access point 130, a wireless device110, a combination thereof, and/or the like. The network device 102 maycomprise, or be in communication with, a gateway, a modem, a router, aswitch, and/or the like. The network device 102 may be connected to alocal or wide area network. The network device 102 may be configured tosend data to a remote service, such as a web server, application server,content delivery device, and/or the like. The network device 102 may beconnected to a content delivery network, a content access network,and/or the like. The network device may be connected to a packetswitched network (e.g., DOCSIS based network), or non-packet switchednetwork (e.g., cable delivery network, quadrature amplitude modulatednetwork).

The wireless device 110 may comprise multiple wireless radios, such as afirst radio 112 and a second radio 114. A wireless radio may comprise atransmitter, receiver, transceiver, antenna, and/or the like. The firstradio 112 may operate in a first band (e.g., a first frequency range, afirst logical channel). The second radio 114 may operate in a secondband (e.g., a second frequency range, a second logical channel). Thewireless device 110 may comprise a user device, a mobile device, a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, a gaming device, a navigation system, anonboard media system, a smart device (e.g., a smart phone, smartapparel, a smart watch, smart glasses), a combination thereof, and/orthe like. In FIG. 1, the first radio 112 and second radio 114 are shownas having separate antennas. The first radio 112 and the second radio114 may have separate hardware and antennas, or have one or morecomponents in common. The first band may be a wireless band, such as aWi-Fi® band (e.g., 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 60 GHz), Bluetooth® band,an infrared band, a ZigBee® band, and/or the like. The second band maybe a wireless band separate from the first band. Alternatively, thefirst radio 112 and the second radio 114 may operate in the samewireless band simultaneously, e.g., on separate channels.

The first access point 120 may comprise a wireless access point. Thefirst access point 120 may comprise a router, a gateway, and/or thelike. The second access point 130 may comprise a wireless access point.The second access point 130 may comprise a wireless extender configuredto extend a wireless service of the first access point 120. The secondaccess point 130 may amplify, rebroadcast, receive, transmit and/or thelike signals of the first access point 120. The second access point 130may be configured with a same service set identifier as the first accesspoint 120.

The first access point 120 may comprise one or more radios, such as afirst AP radio 122 and a second AP radio 124. The first AP radio 122 mayoperate in the first band. The second AP radio 124 may operate in thesecond band. The second access point 130 may comprise one or moreradios, such as a third AP radio 132 and a fourth AP radio 134. Thethird AP radio 132 may operate in the first band. The fourth AP radio134 may operate in the second band.

The first access point 120 may be configured to send (e.g., transmit,broadcast) data, such as messages, beacons, and/or the like. The datamay comprise network information, such as a network identifier,supported transmission rates, network parameters, timing information(e.g., beacon interval). The first AP radio 122 may send first data 123(e.g., first communication data). The second AP radio 124 may sendsecond data 125. The second access point 130 may be configured to send(e.g., broadcast) data, such as messages, beacons, and/or the like. Thethird AP radio 132 may send third data 133. The fourth AP radio 134 maysend fourth data 135. The first data 123, the second data 125, the thirddata 133, and/or the fourth data 135 may comprise information regardingtheir respective access point and other access points in the system. Forexample, the first data 123 of the first AP radio 122 may compriseinformation indicating a presence of the second AP radio 124. The firstdata 123 may indicate that the second AP radio 124 and the first APradio 122 are both comprised in the first access point 120. The firstdata 123 may indicate that the first AP radio 122 operates in the firstband. The first data 123 may indicate that the second AP radio 124operates in the second band. Similarly, the first data 123 may compriseinformation (e.g., an identifier) indicating the presence of the secondaccess point 130, the third AP radio 132, and/or the fourth AP radio134. The first data 123 may comprise a physical location (e.g.,distance, a GPS coordinate, a longitude, a latitude, a buildingidentifier, a room identifier, a region identifier), the bands in whichthe access points and/or radios operate, and other operationalparameters.

The wireless device 110 may communicate, via the first radio 112, withthe first access point 120 while using the second radio 114 to detect(e.g., actively or passively) other access points. Different scenariospresent different challenges for detecting an access point. If, forexample, the wireless device 110 is located where signals from the firstaccess point 120 and the second access point 130 overlap, and bothsignals are on the same channel in the same band, then the wirelessdevice 110 may only use the first radio 112 to listen to both signals.In another scenario, the second access point 130 may operate on adifferent channel than the first access point 120 (e.g., even if thefirst access point 120 and the second access point 130 operate in thesame band). The wireless device 110 may operate the second radio 114 todetect communication from the second access point 130 (e.g., whileoperating the first radio 112 to communicate with the first access point120).

The first radio 112 of the wireless device 110 may operate in the firstband. The second radio 114 may operate in the second band. The firstband may comprise a lower frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz) than afrequency band (e.g., 5 GHz) of the second band. Information sent at thelower frequency band may travel a greater distance than information sentat a higher frequency band. Depending on a location of the wirelessdevice, the wireless device 110 may receive information sent in thefirst band but may be out of range of signals in the second band. Thewireless device 110 may receive information about the second AP radio124 while only receiving information (e.g., via the first data 123) fromthe first AP radio 122. For example, though the wireless device islocated outside a coverage area of the second band, the wireless devicemay receive information about the second AP radio 124 via data sent inthe first band via the first AP radio 122.

The wireless device 110 may use data (e.g., a message, a beacon)received from an access point, measurements associated with the data(e.g., measurements of signals sending the data), and other informationin a variety of ways, e.g.: in mapping locations and probable ranges ofvarious access point signals and beams, anticipating optimal occasionsto switch access points even before any physical connection isestablished, associating a second radio with a new access point beforedisconnecting a first radio from an another access point, and/or thelike. Through such use of information, the time used to switch betweenaccess points may be greatly reduced. Fast BSS transition (e.g., or fastroaming), implemented via IEEE 802.11r, for example, may be used todecrease the time for switching between access points by reducing thetime needed for security and quality of service association. Determininginformation regarding access point locations and characteristics (e.g.,as obtained via beacons and queries) may decrease the time for switchingbetween access points.

In the examples described herein in reference to the figures, devicessuch as wireless device 110 are described as moving in relation toaccess points that are relatively fixed in position. However, it will beappreciated that the techniques described herein apply equally tosituations where one or more an access points are in motion relative toother wireless devices. For example, an access point may be physicallymoved in order to scan an environment for user devices or sensors placedat fixed locations. As access points power on and off, network coverageand conditions may also vary over time. The first access point 120 andthe second access point 130 are both shown as being wired to the networkdevice 102. It should be understood that any of the devices in thesystem may be in communication via wireless links, wired links, and/or acombination thereof.

FIG. 2 shows an example scenario 200 in which two access points (APs), afirst AP 220 and a second AP 230 are located a first distance (e.g., anoverlapping coverage distance) from each other. Each AP may comprise tworadios: a 2.4 GHz radio and a 5 GHz radio. The two radios may compriseomni-directional radios. It should be understood that the 2.4 GHz and 5GHz frequency ranges assigned to these radios are only for purposes ofillustration. It is contemplated that the radios of each AP may beconfigured according to any appropriate frequency, frequency range,channel, and/or transmission protocol. The two radios may have differentranges of coverage as shown via circular lines. The larger circularareas defined by the circular lines include any smaller area shown bycircular lines that is contained within the larger circular area.

The range of the first AP 220 is shown using solid lines, while therange of the second AP is shown using dashed lines. The range of the 5GHz radio of the first AP 220 may reach (e.g., span, extend to, belimited to) a first coverage area 222. The range of the 2.4 GHz radiomay reach to a second coverage area 224. Similarly, the range of the 5GHz radio of the second AP 230 may reach a third coverage area 232. Therange of the 2.4 GHz radio of the second AP 230 may reach a fourthcoverage area 234. A wireless device at position A may be incommunication with (e.g., connect to) either of the radios of the firstAP 220 or the 2.4 GHz radio of the second AP 230. At position B, thewireless device may be in communication with any of the radios of thefirst AP 220 and the second AP 230. At position C, the wireless devicemay be in communication with the 2.4 GHz radio of the second AP 230, the5 GHz radio of the second AP 230, and/or the 2.4 GHz radio of the firstAP 220.

A wireless device may be configured to prioritize establishingcommunication with a 5 GHz radio (e.g., or the radio with the highesttransmission rate when such is available) over establishingcommunication with a 2.4 GHz radio. When at position A, a wirelessdevice that has both a 5 GHz and a 2.4 GHz radio may operate the 5 GHzradio to communicate with the 5 GHz radio of the first AP 220. Thewireless device at position A may operate the 2.4 GHz radio to scan for(e.g., monitor for, receive signals, transmit probes) alternative radioaccess points (e.g., while also operating the 5 GHz radio to communicatewith the first AP 220). In the scenario shown in FIG. 2, the scan mayreveal the 2.4 GHz radios of both the first AP 220 and the second AP230. The wireless device may perform measurements of data (e.g.,beacons, messages, or other signals) and/or extract information in thedata. Such information may comprise data associated with a serviceaccessible via the 2.4 GHz radios and/or the 5 GHz radios.

By measuring data (e.g., signal strength) sent via the 2.4 GHz radio ofthe first AP 220, the wireless device at position A may determine (e.g.,estimate) that the wireless device is within range of the 5 GHz radio ofthe first AP 220. If the wireless device is not already in communicationwith the 5 GHz radio, the wireless device may determine to connect tothe 5 GHz radio (e.g., or at least determine such connection isavailable). Similarly, by measuring the data sent via the 2.4 GHz radioof the second AP 230, the wireless device at position A may determinethat the wireless device is not within the probable range of the 5 GHzradio of the second AP 230.

As the wireless device moves from position A to position B, the wirelessdevice may reassess which connection is optimal for the wireless device.From data received (e.g., in a beacon), the wireless device maydetermine that the 5 GHz service available on the second AP 230. Frommeasurement of the strength of data sent via the 2.4 GHz radio of thesecond AP 230, the wireless device may determine that the wirelessdevice is within range to communicate with (e.g., connect to) the 5 GHzradio of second AP the 230. At position B, the wireless device maydetermine to communicate with one or more of four different radios: the2.4 GHz radio of the first AP 220, the 5 GHz radio of the first AP 220,the 2.4 GHz radio of the second AP 230, and the 5 GHz radio of thesecond AP 230.

The wireless device may determine an access point and/or radio of anaccess point to communicate with based on additional information, suchas location information, vector information, user information, and/orthe like. For example, the wireless device may determine, from datareceived from an access point, where the access point is located (e.g.,an estimated distance from the wireless device). The vector informationmay comprise one or more vectors representing motion (e.g., direction,velocity, acceleration) of the wireless device. The vector informationmay be determined based on internal sensor of the wireless device, suchas a GPS sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscopic, and/or the like. Thevector information may be determined based on triangulation of APsignals (e.g., beacons), tracking (e.g., analyzing, comparing) changesin received signal levels, and/or the like. The wireless device maydetermine whether it is moving toward or away from an AP, the rate ofmovement toward or away from the AP, and/or the like. The userinformation may comprise user preferences (e.g., preference for a 5 GHzover a 2.4 GHz connection and vice versa), user settings, user history(e.g., history of movement, history of usage of the wireless device),and/or the like.

As shown in FIG. 2, a wireless device that has moved from position A toposition B may determine (e.g., predict, infer) that the wireless devicewill continue heading along a vector (e.g., trajectory) toward positionC. The wireless device may determine that communication will fail (e.g.,deteriorate) with the 5 GHz radio of the first AP 220 as the wirelessdevice moves toward (e.g., or arrives at, moves beyond) position B. Ifthe wireless device arrives at position B, the wireless device may endcommunication with the 5 GHz radio of the first AP 220 and begincommunication with the 5 GHz radio of the second AP 230.

The wireless device may connect the 2.4 GHz radio to the second AP 230before disconnecting the 5 GHz radio from the first AP 220. The wirelessdevice may operate the 2.4 GHz radio to obtain a network address (e.g.,internet protocol address) from the 2.4 GHz radio of the second AP 230.The network address may be obtained before the wireless devicedisconnects from the first AP 220. The network address may be obtainedwhile the wireless device has a network address from first AP 220. Thewireless device may also use protocols, such as IEEE 802.11r, tonegotiate communication with the second AP 230 (e.g., before ending aconnection with a current access point). If both connections are fullyoperational, the wireless device may switch from using the 5 GHz radioto using the 2.4 GHz radio to send data. The wireless device may send ade-authorization to the first AP 220, via the 5 GHz radio, to endcommunication (e.g., or otherwise disassociate or disconnect) with the 5GHz radio of the first AP 220. If the wireless device is communicating,via the 5 GHz radio of the first AP 220, with a service (e.g., a remoteservice, a web service, application service, a content service), thenthe wireless device may continue communicating with the service via the2.4 GHz radio of the second AP 230.

The wireless device may move to position C. The wireless device maymonitor for data (e.g., beacons) from the 5 GHz radio of the second AP230. The wireless device may determine to operate the 5 GHz radio tocommunicate with (e.g., connect to) the 5 GHz radio of the second AP230. The wireless device may also use protocols, such as IEEE 802.11r,to negotiate communication with a different radio of the second AP 230(e.g., before ending a connection with a current radio off the second AP230). The wireless device may end communication with (e.g., ordisconnect from) the 2.4 GHz radio of the second AP 230. The wirelessdevice may resume scanning using the 2.4 GHz radio of the wirelessdevice. The wireless device may continue to use the 2.4 GHz radio toreceive data (e.g., beacons) from the 2.4 GHz radios of the first AP 220and the second AP 230.

FIG. 3 shows an example network coverage. The network coverage may besimilar to the network coverage in FIG. 2. The first AP 220 and secondAP 230 may be spaced a greater distance apart than shown in FIG. 2. Inthis scenario, there is no longer any overlap in the network coverage(e.g., range) of the 5 GHz radio of the first AP 220 and the 5 GHz radioof the second AP 230. The range of the 5 GHz radio of the first AP 220may reach as far as the first coverage area 222. The range of the 2.4GHz radio of the first AP 220 may reach to the second coverage area 224.Similarly, the range of the 5 GHz radio of the second AP 230 may reachas far as the third coverage area 232. The range of the 2.4 GHz radio ofthe second AP 230 may reach as far as the fourth coverage area 234.

A wireless device located at position D may communicate with (e.g.,connect to) the 2.4 GHz radio and/or the 5 GHz radio of the first AP220. The wireless device may be unable communicate with the 2.4 GHzradio and/or the 5 GHz radio of the second AP 230. As the wirelessdevice moves from position D to position E, the wireless device may nolonger be able to communicate with the 5 GHz radio of the first AP 220.The wireless device may operate the 5 GHz radio of the wireless deviceto scan (e.g., monitor, probe, receive) for signals and/or accesspoints. The wireless device may determine to communicate with the 2.4GHz radio of the first AP 220 and/or the 2.4 GHz radio of the second AP230. The wireless device may determine (e.g., prioritize) to connect tothe radio with the stronger signal, such as the 2.4 GHz radio of thefirst AP 220 (e.g., to achieve a higher quality of service/netbandwidth). The wireless device may determine, based on vectorinformation (e.g., trajectory) of the wireless device, to connect to the2.4 GHz radio of second AP 230. For example, the wireless device maydetermine that the wireless device is moving along a trajectory from theposition D to positions E, F, G, and/or a combination thereof. Thewireless device may determine that the wireless device will be outsideof the second coverage area 224 within a threshold time period.

The wireless device may determine whether to switch to using anotherradio, access point, and/or network based on one or more adaptivecriteria (e.g., thresholds, factors). The adaptive criteria may compriseone or more hysteresis criteria to avoid switching too frequently. Theone or more hysteresis criteria may indicate a minimum time thresholdfor switching between communicating with access points and/or radios ofaccess points.

The wireless device may determine to switch to a different radio and/oraccess point based one or more bandwidth thresholds. The one or morebandwidth thresholds may comprise a minimum bandwidth threshold. Theminimum bandwidth threshold may be adaptive (e.g., change over timebased on changing conditions) based on a minimum bandwidth condition ofa service (e.g., application, content delivery service, audio/videocommunication service). For example, if the wireless device is currentlyconnected at 400+ Mbps, and requires 200 Mbps to satisfy the minimumbandwidth condition (e.g., desired quality) of service, the wirelessdevice may determine not to switch to a different connection at 600Mbps. However if the wireless device is currently connected at 100 Mbps,the wireless device may determine to connect to a different radio of anaccess point if the bandwidth is above the minimum bandwidth threshold.The one or more bandwidth thresholds may comprise a bandwidth changethreshold indicating a minimum change in bandwidth for changing from oneradio and/or access point to another. The wireless device may determineto connect to a different radio of an access point if the bandwidthwould be significantly higher, e.g., 200 Mbps higher than the currentvalue. For example, the wireless device may always switch, whenpossible, to achieve at least a 300 Mbps connection, or always switchwhen a new connection is available which improves bandwidth for the userby 200 Mbps or more.

Different adaptive criteria may be applied if different conditions arepresent. For example, if the wireless device moves to within a thresholdof the edge of a coverage area (e.g., or the signal strength decreasesbelow a threshold), the wireless device may change (e.g., lower) theminimum bandwidth threshold and/or bandwidth change threshold. Forexample, if the wireless device is connected at 20 Mbps, the wirelessdevice may determine to connect to any other network configured tocommunicate at 50 Mbps or higher, for example, rather than waiting for aminimum of 300 Mbps or an improvement of at least 200 Mbps.

The adaptive criteria may be based on packet loss. If a packet lossthreshold is reached, the wireless device may determine to switch toanother, more reliable connection. Similarly, packet loss may be aweighted factor among other weighted factors, such as location within acoverage area, received signal strength, power levels/mode, and/or thelike. For example, a wireless device experiencing packet loss above apacket loss threshold on a 5 GHz connection may determine to switch to alower bandwidth 2.4 GHz connection on the same access point (e.g., ifthe connection is expected to be more reliable, and thereby improvenetwork service).

Table 1 shows an example scenario in which a number of access points maybe available to a wireless device that has both a 2.4 GHz radio and a 5GHz radio. The scenario comprises four access points AP 1, AP 2, AP 3,and AP 4. The four access points may each comprise two radios. Each ofthe radios may be associated with a different network (e.g., identifiedby different service set identifiers). The wireless device may becurrently connected via the 5 GHz radio to the AP 4 on network E. Thewireless device may operate the 2.4 GHz radio to scan for 2.4 GHznetworks (e.g., while connected via the 5 GHz radio). The scan maydetect several 2.4 GHz networks, such as network A, network B, andnetwork C on APs 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Data sent via a 2.4 GHzradio of AP 1 that is detected during the scan may comprise informationabout network D (5 GHz). The wireless device may not have directlydetected network D by scanning, nor has the wireless device connected tonetwork D previously. The wireless device may only detect network Dbecause of the information sent via a 2.4 GHz radio of the AP 1. The AP3 may send (e.g., via a beacon) information about channels used by theAP 3. The AP 1 may send information (e.g., via a beacon) about channelsused by AP 1 and about a channel used by a different access point.

TABLE 1 Network AP Frequency SSID PHY rate Network Information 1 2.4 A 20 Mbps A, D 2 2.4 B  90 Mbps B 3 2.4 C 170 Mbps C, D 3 5 D 230 Mbps C,D 4 5 E 420 Mbps E

The information sent (e.g., in a beacon, message) via network D (e.g.,using 5 GHz radio) may comprise, for example: estimated physical datarates available, e.g., based on an RSSI; channel width; special streaminformation; and mu-MIMO support, among others. The 2.4 GHz network'sPHY rate may be estimated, or directly measured by connecting to thenetwork depending on how much time is available for scanning.

An access point may send (e.g., broadcast) data (e.g., beacons,messages) at multiple frequencies, multiple bit rates, via multiplechannels, and/or the like. Rather than sending data via only the lowestavailable bit rate, for example, one or more rates could be used fortransmission. The wireless device may determine the quality of apotential connection that may be available based on which of the one ormore rates are successful in communication with an access point. Thisapproach may be used in addition to or as an alternative to inferringthe probable quality of a potential connection based on a receivedsignal strength of data received via a single bit rate (e.g., lowest bitrate).

The wireless device may store the information shown in Table 1. Thewireless device may respond to changing network conditions by selectingan alternative network connection (e.g., a different radio, SSID, accesspoint) from the stored information. The wireless device may detect aloss of connectivity to a network, high packet loss (e.g., due tointerference), and/or other condition indicating that a threshold orcriteria is met. The wireless device may determine a target network tocommunicate with based on the stored information.

The wireless device may connect directly to the target network.Connection to the target network may also be achieved by using anintermediate network before connecting to the target network. Forexample, referring again to Table 1, the wireless device may disconnecta first client radio from network E (5 GHz) to connect to network D (5GHz). The wireless device may connect a second client radio to network C(2.4 GHz). The wireless device may disconnect from network E (5 GHz) inresponse to connecting to network C (2.4 GHz). In response to connectingto network C (2.4 GHz), the wireless device may disconnect the secondradio (e.g., 5 GHz radio) from network E (5 GHz). In response todisconnecting the second client radio, the wireless device may connectvia the second client radio with network D (5 GHz).

The second client radio may operate as a radio to alternate betweenscanning and connecting to a network. In this scenario, scanning may beperformed less frequently than when the radio is dedicated to scanningonly. This approach may be used for link aggregation, fast failover, orsending traffic via multiple connections (e.g., networks) simultaneouslyfor higher reliability.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example sequence. The sequence mayinvolve a wireless device 110, a first access point 120, a second accesspoint 130, and a third access point 140. The wireless device 110 and theaccess points 120, 130, and 140 each may comprise one or more radios,such as a first radio 112 of the wireless device 110, a second radio 114of the wireless device 110, a first AP radio 122 of the first accesspoint 120, a second AP radio 124 of the first access point 120, a thirdAP radio 132 of the second access point 130, a fourth AP radio 134 ofthe second access point 130, a fifth AP radio 142 of the third accesspoint 140, and a sixth AP radio 144 of the third access point 140.Radios 112, 122, 132, and 142 may operate on a first band and/orchannel. Radios 114, 124, 134, and 144 may operate on a second bandand/or channel (e.g., separate from the first band and/or channel).

In step 402, the first radio 112 of the wireless device 110 may beconnected to the first AP radio 122 of the first access point 120. Insteps 404 and 406, the second radio 114 of the wireless device 110 mayreceive (e.g., by scanning, monitoring, probing) data (e.g., beacons,messages other signals) from the fourth AP radio 134 and the sixth APradio 144 of the access points 130 and 140, respectively.

In step 410, the wireless device 110 may create a map (e.g., a table, adatabase, a data store) of access point and radio information. Theaccess point and radio information may comprise available access pointsand radios. The access point and radio information may compriseinformation determined (e.g., extracted) from the received data (e.g.,beacons) and/or other sources.

In step 412, the wireless device 110 may make a determination to switchfrom using the first access point 120 to using the second access point130. The determination may be based on, for example, reaching a firstperformance threshold in the connection to the first access point 120.The determination may be based on the expectation of performanceimprovement reaching above a second threshold. The determination may bebased on information of the locations of access points, the positionand/or vector of the wireless device 110, and/or the like (e.g., viaprior observations, information extracted or derived from beacons, orlocation or motion sensors in the wireless device 110).

In step 414, the wireless device 110 may determine to operate the secondradio 114 to connect to the sixth AP radio 144. The connection may bemade to continue service while changing the connection of the firstradio 112 from the first access point 120 to the second access point130. Such a determination may be based on thresholds, extracted orderived data, position or vector data, and/or the like

In step 420, the wireless device 110 may use a current connection to thefirst AP radio 122 of the first access point 120 to negotiatecredentials for a new connection. For example, the wireless device 110may utilize IEEE 802.11.r protocols to transition to a new connection.The wireless device may be connected to the first access point 120. InStep 420, authentication messages may be exchanged between the wirelessdevice 110 and the third access point 140. The authentication messagesmay be relayed via the first access point 120. It should be understoodthat communications between the first access point 120 and the thirdaccess point 140 are not shown in FIG. 4, and may be achieved through acommunications network, not shown, e.g., a wired and/or wireless networkthat connects one or more of the access points. In response to thewireless device 110 being authenticated with the third access point 140(e.g., via the first access point 120), the wireless device 110 maycommunicate with the third access point 140. For example, are-association message may be sent directly to the sixth AP radio 144 ofthe third access point 140.

In step 422, the wireless device 110 may operate the second radio 114 toestablish a connection to the sixth AP radio 144 of the third accesspoint 140. In response to completing the second radio connection, thewireless device 110 may send a de-authorization message, in step 424,via the first radio 112 to the first AP radio 122 of the first accesspoint 120. In step 426, the wireless device 110 may establish aconnection via the first radio 112 to the third AP radio 132 of thesecond access point 130. By connecting to the third access point 140,the wireless device 110 may continue connectivity to at least one accesspoint during the transition. Once the transition is complete, in step428 the wireless device 110 may send a de-authorization message from thesecond radio 114 to the sixth AP radio 144 of the third access point140.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example method 500 for communication.At step 502, first data (e.g., first communication data) associated withestablishing communication with a first access point (AP) radio may besent (e.g., transmitted). The first data may be sent by a first device.The first data may be sent by a first client radio. Communicationbetween the first client radio and the first AP radio may beestablished.

The first device may comprise the first client radio. The first devicemay comprise a second client radio. The first device may comprise awireless device, a mobile device, a laptop, a smart device (e.g., asmart phone, a smart watch, a smart wearable device), a tablet device,an onboard device, a combination thereof, and/or the like. The firstclient radio may be configured to communicate via a first channel of acommunication band. The second client radio may be configured tocommunicate via a second channel of the communication band. The firstclient radio may be configured to communicate via a first communicationsband. The second client radio may be configured to communicate in asecond communication band. The second communication band may bedifferent from the first communication band.

The first AP radio may be comprised in a first access point. A second APradio may be comprised in a second access point. A third AP radio may becomprised in the first access point or the second access point. Thefirst AP radio may be configured to communicate via the first channel ofthe communication band. The first AP radio may be configured tocommunicate via the first communication band. The second AP radio may beconfigured to communicate via the second channel of the communicationband. The second AP radio may be configured to communicate via thesecond communication band. The third AP radio may be configured tocommunicate via the first channel or the second channel of thecommunication band. The third AP radio may be configured to communicatevia the first communication band or the second communication band. Insome scenarios, the second AP radio may be comprised in the first accesspoint.

At step 504, a message comprising information associated with anadditional AP radio may be received. The additional AP radio maycomprise the second AP radio or the third AP radio. The message may bereceived by the first device. The message may be received from thesecond AP radio and/or the third AP radio. The message may be receivedvia the first client radio and/or the second client radio.

The message may be received in a wireless beacon. The wireless beaconmay be advertising the first AP radio, the second AP radio, the third APradio, and/or a combination thereof. The message may comprise at leastone of a service set identifier of the first AP radio, the second APradio, the third AP radio, and/or a combination thereof. The message maycomprise a location of an access point associated with the first APradio, the second AP radio, the third AP radio, and/or a combinationthereof. The message may comprise a communication range of the first APradio, the second AP radio, the third AP radio, and/or a combinationthereof. The message may comprise a transmission rate of the first APradio, the second AP radio, the third AP radio, and/or a combinationthereof. The message may comprise a packet loss rate of the first APradio, the second AP radio, the third AP radio, and/or a combinationthereof.

The information associated with the additional AP radio may be stored(e.g., by the first device) in a list of AP radios of one or more accesspoints radio. The list of AP radios may be based on scanning, by thefirst device, for the one or more access points. The list of AP radiosmay comprise AP radios detected directly (e.g., direct communication) orindirectly. The scanning may comprise receiving a message (e.g., beacon)from the one or more access points. An example message may compriseinformation associated with an AP radio sending the message. The messagemay comprise information associated with an AP radio that did not sendthe message. For example, an access point may detect or otherwisedetermine other access points and/or AP radios and store informationassociated with the other access points and/or AP radios. Theinformation associated with the other access points and/or AP radios maybe part of the message (e.g., a beacon broadcast).

In some implementations, a current state of the first device may bedetermined. The current state may comprise one or more of locationinformation or connection information. The location information maycomprise a distance from the first device to the first AP radio. Theconnection information may comprise one or more of a packet loss or aconnection bit rate. The current state of the first device may compriseand/or be based on global positioning data by a sensor in the firstdevice, directional beam information associated with a beam-formingaccess point, signal strength information associated with signals fromone or more access points, a combination thereof, and/or the like. Thecurrent state may comprise a vector of motion of the first device. Thevector of motion may comprise a velocity, an acceleration, a distance,and/or the like for one or more directions. The vector of motion may bedetermined based on a change in location information (e.g., change fromone GPS coordinate to another). The vector of motion may be determinedbased on one or more accelerometer values.

At step 506, a comparative parameter (e.g., a result, a metric, acomparative result, a comparative metric) may be determined. Thecomparative parameter may be determined based on a first connectionparameter and a second connection parameter. The comparative parametermay comprise and/or be indicative of a comparison of the firstconnection parameter and the second connection parameter. Thecomparative parameter may comprise and/or be indicative of a differencebetween the first connection parameter and the second connectionparameter. The comparative parameter may be determine based on anyappropriate calculation, such as subtraction, division, addition,multiplication, applying a formula. The comparative parameter maycomprise the result of a logical determination. The first connectionparameter may be associated with the first AP radio. The secondconnection parameter may be associated with the additional AP radio,such as the second AP radio or the third AP radio.

The first connection parameter may comprise an expected communicationsrange, a location of the first AP radio, an estimated available databandwidth, an estimated available physical data transmission rate, anestimated packet loss rate, multiple-in-multiple-out beam information, acombination thereof, and/or the like. The second connection parametermay comprise an expected communications range, a location of the thirdAP radio, an estimated available data bandwidth, an estimated availablephysical data transmission rate, an estimated packet loss rate,multiple-in-multiple-out beam information, a combination thereof, and/orthe like.

At step 508, it may be determined to establish communication with theadditional AP radio. It may be determined to switch to communicatingwith the additional AP radio. The determination may be based on thedifference between the first connection parameter and the secondconnection parameter. The determination may be based on the differencesatisfying the threshold. If the difference satisfies (e.g., is above,or in some implementations, is below) the threshold, then it may bedetermined to establish communication with the second AP radio. Thethreshold may comprise a signal strength, a packet loss, a communicationrange (e.g., communication range of an AP radio), a data bandwidth(e.g., data bandwidth of an AP radio), a combination thereof, and/or thelike.

The threshold may comprise a dynamic threshold that has a value thatchanges based on one or more conditions. In some implementations, athreshold may be determined (e.g., by the first device). The thresholdmay be determined based on the current state of the first device.Determining the threshold may comprise determining a value of thethreshold based on a distance of the first device from the first APradio. The value of the threshold may decrease as the distanceincreases. Determining the threshold may comprise determining a value ofthe threshold based on a packet loss of the communication between thefirst device and the first AP radio. The value of the threshold maydecrease as the packet loss increases.

At step 510, second data (e.g., second communication data) associatedwith establishing communication with the additional AP radio (e.g., thesecond AP radio, the third AP radio) may be sent (e.g., transmitted).The second data may be sent by the second client radio. Communicationbetween a second client radio and the additional AP radio (e.g., secondAP radio, the third AP radio) may be established. The second dataassociated with establishing communication with the additional AP radio(e.g., the second AP radio, the third AP radio) may be sent in responseto determining to establish communication with the additional AP radio.Sending the second data may comprise sending a re-association message tothe additional AP radio.

The first device may be disconnected from the first AP radio in responseto determining to establish communication with the third AP radio.Disconnecting from the first AP radio may be performed in response tosending the second data (e.g., or otherwise establishing communicationbetween the second client radio and the additional AP radio).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example method 600 for communication.At step 602, first data (e.g., first communication data) associated withestablishing communication with the first AP radio may be sent (e.g.,transmitted). The first data may be sent by a first device. The firstdata may be sent by a first client radio. The first data may be sent toa first access point (AP) radio. Communication between the first clientradio and the first AP radio may be established. The first device maycomprise a wireless device, a mobile device, a laptop, a smart device(e.g., a smart phone, a smart watch, a smart wearable device), a tabletdevice, an onboard device, a combination thereof, and/or the like.

The first device may comprise the first client radio. The first clientradio may be configured to communicate via a first channel of acommunication band. The first device may comprise a second client radio.The second client radio may be configured to communicate via a secondchannel of the communication band. The first client radio may beconfigured to communicate via a first communication band. The secondclient radio may be configured to communicate in a second communicationband. The second communication band may be different from the firstcommunication band.

A current state may be determined. The current state may comprise acurrent state of the first device. The current state may comprise acurrent state of the first client radio and/or the second client radio.The current state may comprise one or more of location information orconnection information. The location information may comprise a distancefrom the first device to the first AP radio. The location informationmay comprise a distance from the first device to a second AP radio. Thefirst AP radio may be comprised in a first access point. The second APradio may be comprised in the first access point or a second accesspoint. The connection information may comprise one or more of a packetloss or a connection bit rate.

The current state of the first device may comprise and/or be based onglobal positioning data of a sensor in the first device, directionalbeam information associated with a beam-forming access point, signalstrength information associated with signals from one or more accesspoints, a combination thereof, and/or the like.

The current state may comprise a vector of motion of the first device.The vector of motion may comprise a velocity, an acceleration, adistance, and/or the like for one or more directions. The vector ofmotion may be determined based on a change in location information(e.g., change from one GPS coordinate to another). The vector of motionmay be determined based on one or more accelerometer values.

At step 604, a threshold may be determined. The threshold may bedetermined based on the current state of the first device. A value ofthe threshold may vary based on the current state of the first device.Determining the threshold may comprise determining a value of thethreshold based on a distance of the first device from the first APradio (e.g., or a distance from the second AP radio). The value of thethreshold may vary based on a location of the first device. The value ofthe threshold may decrease as the distance increases. The value of thethreshold may vary based on communication information of the firstdevice. Determining the threshold may comprise determining a value ofthe threshold based on a packet loss of the communication between thefirst device and the first AP radio. The value of the threshold maydecrease as the packet loss increases. The threshold may be determinedbased on a connection bit rate (e.g., between the first client radio andthe first AP radio). The threshold may comprise a signal strength, apacket loss, a communication range (e.g., communication range of an APradio), a data bandwidth (e.g., data bandwidth of an AP radio), acombination thereof (e.g., a weighted combination), and/or the like.

At step 606, a comparative parameter (e.g., a result, a metric, acomparative result, a comparative metric) may be determined. Thecomparative parameter may be determined based on a first connectionparameter and a second connection parameter. The first connectionparameter may be associated with the first AP radio. The secondconnection parameter may be associated with the second AP radio. Thecomparative parameter may comprise and/or be indicative of a comparisonof the first connection parameter and the second connection parameter.The comparative parameter may comprise and/or be indicative of adifference between the first connection parameter and the secondconnection parameter. The first connection parameter may comprise anexpected communication range, a location of the first AP radio, anestimated available data bandwidth, an estimated available physical datatransmission rate, an estimated packet loss rate,multiple-in-multiple-out beam information, a combination thereof, and/orthe like. The second connection parameter may comprise an expectedcommunication range, a location of the second AP radio, an estimatedavailable data bandwidth, an estimated available physical datatransmission rate, an estimated packet loss rate,multiple-in-multiple-out beam information, a combination thereof, and/orthe like.

The first device may determine, based on a list of AP radios of one ormore access points, the second AP radio. The list of AP radios may bebased on scanning, by the first device, for the one or more accesspoints. The list of AP radios may comprise AP radios detected directly(e.g., direct communication) or indirectly. The scanning may comprisereceiving a message (e.g., beacon) from the one or more access points.An example message may comprise information associated with an AP radiosending the message. The message may comprise information associatedwith an AP radio that did not send the message. For example, an accesspoint may detect or otherwise determine other access points and/or APradios and store information associated with the other access pointsand/or AP radios. The information associated with the other accesspoints and/or AP radios may be part of the message (e.g., a beaconbroadcast).

At step 608, a determination may be made to establish communication withthe second AP radio. The determination may be to switch to the second APradio (e.g., from the first AP radio). The determination may be madebased on the difference satisfying the threshold. If the differencesatisfies (e.g., is above, or in some implementations, is below) thethreshold, then it may be determined to switch to the second AP radio.

At step 610, second data (e.g., second communication data) associatedwith establishing communication with the second AP radio may be sent(e.g., transmitted). The second data may be sent by the first device.The second data may be sent by the second client radio (e.g., or firstclient radio). The second data may be sent to the second AP radio.Communication may be established between the second client radio (e.g.,or the first client radio) and the second AP radio. The communicationmay be established by the first device. The second data may be sent inresponse to determining to establish communication with the second APradio. Sending the second data may comprise sending a re-associationmessage to the second AP radio.

The first device may disconnect from the first AP radio in response todetermining to establish communication with the second AP radio.Disconnecting from the first AP radio may be performed in response tothe sending of the second data to the second AP radio (e.g., orestablishing communication between the second client radio and thesecond AP radio).

FIG. 7 shows a computing device that may be used in various aspects,such as the network routers, servers, access points, and wirelessdevices depicted in FIG. 1-FIG. 4. Such devices, including their firstand second radios may each be implemented in an instance of a computingdevice 700 of FIG. 7. The computer architecture shown in FIG. 7 shows aconventional server computer, workstation, desktop computer, laptop,tablet, network appliance, PDA, e-reader, digital cellular phone, orother computing node, and may be utilized to execute any aspects of thecomputers described herein, such as to implement the methods describedin relation to FIG. 1-FIG. 6.

The computing device 700 may comprise a baseboard, or “motherboard,”which is a printed circuit board to which a multitude of components ordevices may be connected by way of a system bus or other electricalcommunication paths. One or more central processing units (CPUs) 704 mayoperate in conjunction with a chipset 706. The CPU(s) 704 may bestandard programmable processors that perform arithmetic and logicaloperations necessary for the operation of the computing device 700.

The CPU(s) 704 may perform the necessary operations by transitioningfrom one discrete physical state to the next through the manipulation ofswitching elements that differentiate between and change these states.Switching elements may generally comprise electronic circuits that storeone of two binary states, such as flip-flops, and electronic circuitsthat provide an output state based on the logical combination of thestates of one or more other switching elements, such as logic gates.These basic switching elements may be combined to create more complexlogic circuits comprising registers, adders-subtractors, arithmeticlogic units, floating-point units, and the like.

The CPU(s) 704 may be augmented with or replaced by other processingunits, such as the GPU(s) 705. The GPU(s) 705 may comprise processingunits specialized for but not necessarily limited to highly parallelcomputations, such as graphics and other visualization-relatedprocessing.

A chipset 706 may provide an interface between the CPU(s) 704 and theremainder of the components and devices on the baseboard. The chipset706 may provide an interface to a random access memory (RAM) 708 used asthe main memory in the computing device 700. The chipset 706 may providean interface to a computer-readable storage medium, such as a read-onlymemory (ROM) 720 or non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) (not shown), for storingbasic routines that may help to start up the computing device 700 and totransfer information between the various components and devices. The ROM720 or NVRAM may also store other software components necessary for theoperation of the computing device 700 in accordance with the aspectsdescribed herein.

The computing device 700 may operate in a networked environment usinglogical connections to remote computing nodes and computer systemsthrough a local area network (LAN) 716. The chipset 706 may comprisefunctionality for providing network connectivity through a networkinterface controller (NIC) 722, such as a gigabit Ethernet adapter. ANIC 722 may be capable of connecting the computing device 700 to othercomputing nodes over the network 716. It should be appreciated thatmultiple NICs such as the NIC 722 may be present in the computing device700, connecting the computing device to other types of networks andremote computer systems. The NIC 722 may incorporate a number of radioswhich are capable of being used simultaneously in a different bands,channels, or spectrums, thus allowing computing device 700 to connect tomultiple access points, or alternatively, to be connected in one bandwhile scanning in another band, for example.

The computing device 700 may be connected to a mass storage device 728that provides non-volatile storage for the computer. The mass storagedevice 728 may store system programs, application programs, otherprogram modules, and data, which have been described in greater detailherein. The mass storage device 728 may be connected to the computingdevice 700 through a storage controller 724 connected to the chipset706. The mass storage device 728 may consist of one or more physicalstorage units. A storage controller 724 may interface with the physicalstorage units through a serial attached SCSI (SAS) interface, a serialadvanced technology attachment (SATA) interface, a fiber channel (FC)interface, or other type of interface for physically connecting andtransferring data between computers and physical storage units.

The computing device 700 may store data on a mass storage device 728 bytransforming the physical state of the physical storage units to reflectthe information being stored. The specific transformation of a physicalstate may depend on various factors and on different implementations ofthis description. Examples of such factors may comprise, but are notlimited to, the technology used to implement the physical storage unitsand whether the mass storage device 728 is characterized as primary orsecondary storage and the like.

For example, the computing device 700 may store information to the massstorage device 728 by issuing instructions through a storage controller724 to alter the magnetic characteristics of a particular locationwithin a magnetic disk drive unit, the reflective or refractivecharacteristics of a particular location in an optical storage unit, orthe electrical characteristics of a particular capacitor, transistor, orother discrete component in a solid-state storage unit. Othertransformations of physical media are possible without departing fromthe scope and spirit of the present description, with the foregoingexamples provided only to facilitate this description. The computingdevice 700 may read information from the mass storage device 728 bydetecting the physical states or characteristics of one or moreparticular locations within the physical storage units.

The computing device 600 may have access to other computer-readablestorage media to store and retrieve information, such as programmodules, data structures, or other data. It should be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that computer-readable storage media may be anyavailable media that provides for the storage of non-transitory data andthat may be accessed by the computing device 700.

By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable storage mediamay comprise volatile and non-volatile, transitory computer-readablestorage media and non-transitory computer-readable storage media, andremovable and non-removable media implemented in any method ortechnology. Computer-readable storage media comprises RAM, ROM, erasableprogrammable ROM (“EPROM”), electrically erasable programmable ROM(“EEPROM”), flash memory or other solid-state memory technology, compactdisc ROM (“CD-ROM”), digital versatile disk (“DVD”), high definition DVD(“HD-DVD”), BLU-RAY, or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, other magnetic storage devices, orany other medium that may be used to store the desired information in anon-transitory fashion.

A mass storage device, such as the mass storage device 728 depicted inFIG. 7, may store an operating system utilized to control the operationof the computing device 700. The operating system may comprise a versionof the LINUX operating system. The operating system may comprise aversion of the WINDOWS SERVER operating system from the MICROSOFTCorporation. According to some aspects, the operating system maycomprise a version of the UNIX operating system. Various mobile phoneoperating systems, such as IOS and ANDROID, may also be utilized. Itshould be appreciated that other operating systems may also be utilized.The mass storage device 728 may store other system or applicationprograms and data utilized by the computing device 700.

The mass storage device 728 or other computer-readable storage media mayalso be encoded with computer-executable instructions, which, whenloaded into the computing device 700, transforms the computing devicefrom a general-purpose computing system into a special-purpose computercapable of implementing the aspects described herein. Thesecomputer-executable instructions transform the computing device 700 byspecifying how the CPU(s) 704 transition between states, as describedabove. The computing device 700 may have access to computer-readablestorage media storing computer-executable instructions, which, whenexecuted by the computing device 700, may perform the methods describedherein, such as in FIG. 1-FIG. 6.

A computing device, such as the computing device 700 depicted in FIG. 7,may also comprise an input/output controller 732 for receiving andprocessing input from a number of input devices, such as a keyboard, amouse, a touchpad, a touch screen, an electronic stylus, or other typeof input device. Similarly, an input/output controller 732 may provideoutput to a display, such as a computer monitor, a flat-panel display, adigital projector, a printer, a plotter, or other type of output device.It will be appreciated that the computing device 700 may not compriseall of the components shown in FIG. 7, may comprise other componentsthat are not explicitly shown in FIG. 7, or may utilize an architecturecompletely different than that shown in FIG. 7.

As described herein, a computing device may be a physical computingdevice, such as the computing device 700 of FIG. 7. A computing node mayalso comprise a virtual machine host process and one or more virtualmachine instances. Computer-executable instructions may be executed bythe physical hardware of a computing device indirectly throughinterpretation and/or execution of instructions stored and executed inthe context of a virtual machine.

It is to be understood that the methods and systems are not limited tospecific methods, specific components, or to particular implementations.It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended tobe limiting.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” oneparticular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When sucha range is expressed, another embodiment comprises from the oneparticular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, whenvalues are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent“about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms anotherembodiment. It will be understood that the endpoints of each of theranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, andindependently of the other endpoint.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described eventor circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includesinstances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where itdoes not.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word“comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and“comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intendedto exclude, for example, other components, integers or steps.“Exemplary” means “an example of” and is not intended to convey anindication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. “Such as” is not used ina restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.

Components are described that may be used to perform the describedmethods and systems. When combinations, subsets, interactions, groups,etc., of these components are described, it is understood that whilespecific references to each of the various individual and collectivecombinations and permutations of these may not be explicitly described,each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all methodsand systems. This applies to all aspects of this application including,but not limited to, operations in described methods. Thus, if there area variety of additional operations that may be performed it isunderstood that each of these additional operations may be performedwith any specific embodiment or combination of embodiments of thedescribed methods.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the methods andsystems may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, anentirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software andhardware aspects. The methods and systems may take the form of acomputer program product on a computer-readable storage medium havingcomputer-readable program instructions (e.g., computer software)embodied in the storage medium. More particularly, the present methodsand systems may take the form of web-implemented computer software. Anysuitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized including harddisks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

Embodiments of the methods and systems are described below withreference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods,systems, apparatuses and computer program products. It will beunderstood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams andflowchart illustrations, respectively, may be implemented by computerprogram instructions. These computer program instructions may be loadedon a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such thatthe instructions which execute on the computer or other programmabledata processing apparatus create a means for implementing the functionsspecified in the flowchart block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable memory that may direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablememory produce an article of manufacture comprising computer-readableinstructions for implementing the function specified in the flowchartblock or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loadedonto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to causea series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or otherprogrammable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process suchthat the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in theflowchart block or blocks.

The various features and processes described above may be usedindependently of one another, or may be combined in various ways. Allpossible combinations and sub-combinations are intended to fall withinthe scope of this disclosure. Alternatively or additional, certainmethods or process blocks may be omitted in some implementations. Themethods and processes described herein are also not limited to anyparticular sequence, and the blocks or states relating thereto may beperformed in other sequences that are appropriate. For example,described blocks or states may be performed in an order other than thatspecifically described, or multiple blocks or states may be combined ina single block or state. The example blocks or states may be performedin serial, in parallel, or in some other manner. Blocks or states may beadded to or removed from the described example embodiments. The examplesystems and components described herein may be configured differentlythan described. For example, elements may be added to, removed from, orrearranged compared to the described example embodiments.

It will also be appreciated that various items are shown as being storedin memory or on storage while being used, and that these items orportions thereof may be transferred between memory and other storagedevices for purposes of memory management and data integrity.Alternatively, in other embodiments, some or all of the software modulesand/or systems may execute in memory on another device and communicatewith the illustrated computing systems via inter-computer communication.In some embodiments, some or all of the systems and/or modules may beimplemented or provided in other ways, such as at least partially infirmware and/or hardware, comprising, but not limited to, one or moreapplication-specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”), standard integratedcircuits, controllers (e.g., by executing appropriate instructions, andincluding microcontrollers and/or embedded controllers),field-programmable gate arrays (“FPGAs”), complex programmable logicdevices (“CPLDs”), etc. Some or all of the modules, systems, and datastructures may also be stored (e.g., as software instructions orstructured data) on a computer-readable medium, such as a hard disk, amemory, a network, or a portable media article to be read by anappropriate device or via an appropriate connection. The systems,modules, and data structures may also be transmitted as generated datasignals (e.g., as part of a carrier wave or other analog or digitalpropagated signal) on a variety of computer-readable transmission media,including wireless-based and wired/cable-based media, and may take avariety of forms (e.g., as part of a single or multiplexed analogsignal, or as multiple discrete digital packets or frames). Suchcomputer program products may also take other forms in otherembodiments. Accordingly, the present invention may be practiced withother computer system configurations.

While the methods and systems have been described in connection withpreferred embodiments and specific examples, it is not intended that thescope be limited to the particular embodiments set forth, as theembodiments herein are intended in all respects to be illustrativerather than restrictive.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that anymethod set forth herein be construed as requiring that its operations beperformed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim doesnot actually recite an order to be followed by its operations or it isnot otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that theoperations are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intendedthat an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possiblenon-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic withrespect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaningderived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number ortype of embodiments described in the specification.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations may be made without departing from thescope or spirit of the present disclosure. Other embodiments will beapparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of thespecification and practices described herein. It is intended that thespecification and example figures be considered as exemplary only, witha true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

1. A method comprising: sending, by a first client radio of a firstdevice and to a first access point (AP) radio, first communication dataassociated with establishing communication with the first AP radio;receiving, by the first device, a message comprising informationassociated with a second AP radio; determining, based on a firstconnection parameter associated with the first AP radio and a secondconnection parameter associated with the second AP radio, a comparativeparameter; determining, based on the comparative parameter satisfying athreshold, to establish communication with the second AP radio; andsending, by a second client radio of the first device and to the secondAP radio, second communication data associated with establishingcommunication with the second AP radio.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein receiving the message comprises receiving the message via thesecond client radio.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:determining a current state of the first device, wherein the currentstate comprises one or more of location information or connectioninformation; and determining, based on the current state of the firstdevice, the threshold.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the locationinformation comprises a distance from the first device to the first APradio, and wherein the connection information comprises one or more of apacket loss or a connection bit rate.
 5. The method of claim 1, whereinthe first AP radio is comprised in a first access point and the secondAP radio is comprised in a second access point.
 6. The method of claim1, wherein the message is received in a wireless beacon advertising athird AP radio, wherein the first AP radio and the third AP radio arecomprised in a first access point, and wherein the message comprises atleast one of a service set identifier of the second AP radio, a locationof an access point associated with the second AP radio, a communicationrange of the second AP radio, a transmission rate of the second APradio, or a packet loss rate of the second AP radio.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising determining a vector of motion of the firstdevice, and wherein determining to establish communication with thesecond AP radio is based on the vector of motion of the first device. 8.A method comprising: sending, by a first client radio of a first deviceand to a first access point (AP) radio, first communication dataassociated with establishing communication with the first AP radio;determining, based on a current state of the first device, a threshold,wherein the current state comprises one or more of location informationor connection information; determining a comparative parameter based ona first connection parameter associated with the first AP radio and asecond connection parameter associated with a second AP radio;determining, based on the comparative parameter satisfying thethreshold, to establish communication with the second AP radio; andsending, by a second client radio of the first device and to the secondAP radio, second communication data associated with establishingcommunication with the second AP radio.
 9. The method of claim 8,wherein the first AP radio is comprised in a first access point and thesecond AP radio is comprised in the first access point.
 10. The methodof claim 8, further comprising determining a vector of motion of thefirst device, and wherein determining to establish communication withthe second AP radio is based on the vector of motion of the firstdevice.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the location informationcomprises a distance from the first device to the first AP radio, andwherein the connection information comprises one or more of a packetloss or a connection bit rate.
 12. The method of claim 8, furthercomprising determining, based on a list of AP radios of one or moreaccess points, the second AP radio, wherein the list of AP radios isbased on scanning, by the first device, for the one or more accesspoints.
 13. The method of claim 8, wherein determining, based on thecurrent state of the first device, the threshold comprises determining avalue of the threshold based on a distance of the first device from thefirst AP radio, wherein the value of the threshold decreases as thedistance increases.
 14. The method of claim 8, wherein determining,based on the current state of the first device, the threshold comprisesdetermining a value of the threshold based on a packet loss of thecommunication between the first device and the first AP radio, whereinthe value of the threshold decreases as the packet loss increases.
 15. Amethod comprising: sending, by a first client radio of a first deviceand to a first access point (AP) radio, first communication dataassociated with establishing communication with the first AP radio;determining, based on location information of the first device, athreshold, wherein the location information comprises a distance of thefirst device from the first AP radio; determining a comparativeparameter based on a first connection parameter associated with thefirst AP radio and a second connection parameter associated with asecond AP radio; determining, based on the comparative parametersatisfying the threshold, to switch to second AP radio; and sending, bya second client radio of the first device and to the second AP radio,second communication data associated with establishing communicationwith the second AP radio.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the firstAP radio is comprised in a first access point and the second AP radio iscomprised in a second access point.
 17. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising determining a vector of motion of the first device, andwherein determining to switch to the second AP radio is based on thevector of motion of the first device.
 18. The method of claim 15,wherein the location information comprises a distance from the firstdevice to the second AP radio.
 19. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising determining, based on a list of AP radios of one or moreaccess points, the second AP radio, wherein the list of AP radios isbased on scanning, by the first device, for the one or more accesspoints.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein determining, based on thelocation information of the first device, the threshold comprisesdetermining a value of the threshold based on the distance of the firstdevice from the first AP radio, wherein the value of the thresholddecreases as the distance increases.
 21. The method of claim 1, whereina value of the threshold varies based on a current state of the firstdevice.